Insets, from left: Mystique Taylor, Rolanda Monique Edwards and Kaylee Shackelford (Rome Police Department). Background: Rome, Georgia, apartment complex where Shackelford was killed (Google Maps).
The grim discovery was made by the Rome Police Department, who responded to a call around noon on Tuesday regarding a body found near Hull Avenue and Cedar Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the lifeless body of 20-year-old Kaylee B. Shackelford from Tennessee, wrapped in blankets outside the apartment complex.
Witnesses reported seeing a red car in the vicinity shortly before Shackelford’s body was discovered. This vehicle was later located approximately 20 miles away in Bartow County. Following a pursuit, police apprehended the suspects.
Investigators revealed that Shackelford was in a relationship with Taylor, who had recently begun an online relationship with Edwards. The case continues to unfold as authorities piece together the events leading to this tragic outcome.
Witnesses stated they saw a red car in the area just prior to the discovery of Shackelford”s body. Cops later discovered the car about 20 miles away in Bartow County and arrested the suspects after a vehicle pursuit.
Detectives say Shackelford and Taylor were dating and he recently started an online relationship with Edwards.
According to local NBC affiliate WXIA, a judge at a bond hearing said Taylor stabbed Shackelford in the neck, chest and face with a knife and then hit her in the head with a baseball bat. Cops have not publicly divulged a motive for the crime. They did say neither Taylor nor Shackelford are from the Rome area. Shackelford lived in Powell, Tennessee, which is about 160 miles northeast of the crime scene.
On Friday, cops added a feticide charge against Taylor after it was discovered that Shackelford was pregnant.
Taylor is being held without bond while Edwards has a $5,000 bond.
